Speaking to fijivillage News after the launch of the revised Fiji National Service Delivery Protocol, Office Manager for the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Senimelia Seru says women and girls with disabilities are among those most affected by gender-based violence, but often struggle to access the support they need.
Seru says many government offices and service providers are still not fully accessible, making it difficult for people with physical, intellectual, psychosocial and hearing disabilities to receive timely assistance.
She says some people with disabilities have experienced delays in getting help, while others have not received the support they needed.
Seru says service providers also need to provide accessible information, while communication options such as text messaging should be available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
She says the revised Fiji National Service Delivery Protocol places a strong emphasis on disability inclusion, which will help reduce barriers and ensure support services are more accessible if properly implemented.
Insert: Seru on disability
Seru says Fiji already has laws and policies protecting the rights of people with disabilities, and the focus now should be on putting those commitments into practice so people with disabilities can fully benefit.
